The free and public family event will take place at the Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, Minn. Activities for the day will include: orchard rides, children’s activities and opportunities to meet The Raptor Center’s winged ambassador education birds. Feel free to bring a lawn chair or blanket to enjoy the day’s events!

Birds of prey will be released after being rehabilitated by The Raptor Center veterinarians during releases held at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

“The Raptor Center staff and volunteers involved in the bird recovery worked hard to make a release back to these birds’ natural habitat a reality,” said Julia Ponder, D.V.M., executive director of The Raptor Center. “Their releases provide not just a great educational opportunity, but also an awe-inspiring sight.”

Event attendees are invited to bring their used ink jet printer cartridges to benefit The Raptor Center’s Recycling for Raptors program. This is a zero-waste event. Please leave pets at home.